Pressure Grows On SAPS After IPID Finds Durban Police Unjustly Killed Four Suspects

Calls are intensifying for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to explain its actions after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) ruled that KwaZulu-Natal officers were unjustified in the fatal shooting of four criminals in Durban in 2025.

The police watchdog is investigating an incident that took place in March 2025 on Duffs Road, where officers shot and killed four suspects. Police initially claimed the group opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest.

That account has now come under scrutiny after video footage surfaced appearing to show the suspects complying with police instructions during the incident.

IPID Findings Raise Questions Over Police Use of Force

IPID’s findings have reignited debate around the use of lethal force by law enforcement, particularly when alternative methods of arrest may have been possible.

The emergence of footage contradicting the police’s initial version has added weight to demands for transparency and accountability.

The matter has also drawn commentary from experts concerned about the broader implications for public trust in policing.

Criminologist Warns of Eroding Trust in SAPS

University of Cape Town criminologist Dr Simon Howell weighed in on the incident, stressing the importance of lawful conduct by police officers.

“The concern was, of course, that while lethal force is needed at some point, police have to operate within the ambit of the law, especially because they upload the law, so there’s no excuse or deviation here.”

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Dr Howell said cases such as this one risk undermining confidence in law enforcement.

“In many instances, I sense that the police may not be uploading the law and that beings into doubt their own legitimacy and it brings into doubt the of law in the country.”